Hi people, I am not a heavy I C Q user, but I have tried to keep my client software current. I have 'micq' and 'centericq' installed here, and both are now in trouble due to recent upgrades in the I C Q protocol on the Mirabilis servers. They have introduced incompatibilities with earlier protocols that oblige their Windows users to upgrade their Windows clients, and that is threatening to leave micq and centericq users in the dust. The developers of the Linux clients might or might not be able to regain functionality very soon. I have just downloaded and installed another Linux I C Q client, 'licq', and would like to recommend that people who use I C Q obtain a copy to play with. It is a very sophisticated client and seems to be extremely well designed. The user interface is a plugin, and the package comes with two user interfaces: a GUI and a console interface. The console interface seems to be accessible, although I am still trying to figure out how to use it effectively. My first impression is that it is not as accessible as micq, resembling centericq more closely, although it is much more sophisticated. It is also a bit trickier to install. I am running Slackware 8.0 with kernel 2.2.19 and had no problems with the installation. However, the main program and each of the two interfaces must be configured, compiled, and installed separately. It seems like the GUI interface plugin must be compiled and installed even if you do not intend to use it; the console interface plugin can be selected right from the get go, but both interfaces must be compiled and installed. It uses openssl by default for secure connections, it uses .wav files to signal events such as incoming messages and such, and lets you specify whether to send a message direct or via server. There is a perl script to convert your micq contact list to the licq format. The developers maintain a cvs system in addition to the generic cource archive and packages for RH and Debian distros. If you feel bold and want to push the limits, visit: http://www.licq.org The current version is 1.0.3, although the console interface plugin is only 1.0.2. I expect if the developers know that people want to use the console interface, it will continue to receive their attention. Chuck Visit me at http://www.mhonline.net/~chuckh "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin, 1759.
